Clarke Courier

Communicated.

At the meeting of the Farmers' Club, on Saturday the 25th ult., a most excellent address was delivered by Col. Robert Beverly, of Fauquier Co., to an attentive audience, composed of the members of the club and many others, who were attracted by the novelty of a farmer addressing farmers on subjects especially interesting to agriculturists.

It is admitted in a general sort of way, by all, that prosperity to the farmer is prosperity to all industries, but that only means, that if by hard work and favorable seasons, he makes good crops, his cash will flow into the coffers of all other industries that fatten upon his labors. In this farming differs from all other employments. A rich and prosperous railroad does not help the farmer, nor does a flourishing manufacturer lower his prices to help him, but on the contrary, stops work when trade slackens, in order that regular prices may be sustained.

No one for a moment supposes or admits that the farmer has any grievances, or is worthy of recognition by the law makers of the State or general government— When information regarding high or low tariff is wanted, as was the case a few months ago, a call was made by the Government on the importing merchants, for information, not on those who pay the tax, but on those who make a profit on the tax. So with the Legislature, when a railroad commission is to be appointed to equalize transportation rates and other abuses, who has the ear of the 'Honorable' majority? Are the sufferers regarded in their cry for relief, or do the railroads and boards of trade furnish the information, and formulate bills to hood wink farmers and perpetuate their own power? It is true these railroads, boards of trade, knights of labor, et-cetera, are organized bodies, and come before the law-makers with high sounding names, and imposing committees, with free passes and pooled profits in their pockets, urging the influence of members with wine, dinners and oyster suppers, while the voting farmer growls at home over 'unjust discriminating rates' and 'high taxes,' and reads high sounding editorials and speeches on 'relief to the horny handed tiller of the soil,' which always advises 'close economy, diversity of crops, extra hours of labor,' with, perhaps, the 'more extended use of labor saving machinery,' on which they pay 100 per cent profit to the manufacturer and 100 per cent. to a protective tariff besides.

This sort of thing has gone on so long that even farmers think there is no remedy, and view, with suspicion, every move for relief that is made by the more hopeful. They seem joined to their idols, or sunk in despair. They are like the world of sinners, who in a general sort of way acknowledge and bemoan their wickedness, and admit the blessings of piety, but tramp on down the broad way that leads to destruction. The usual reply to such has been that 'it is of no use, we can't effect a change by ourselves.' This answer has happily lost its whole force, for they are no longer alone. There is not a State that has not made a move in this matter. Farmers' Clubs, Farmers' Institutes and Farmers' Assemblies, are of daily occurrence; organization and combination is the order of the day, and we of Clarke county should not be behind our brother farmers of this and other States. There is an organization, originated at the South, and rapidly spreading all over the Southern States, called 'The Young Farmers' Club.' It has been started in this State and is recognized by our Farmers' Assembly. Shall we of this county, admitted by all as the peers in intelligence and progress of any other section of the State or country, hold back and wait for others to lead? Have we the craven spirit that such a course would indicate? Our reputation as intelligent, progressive farmers is at stake, we may be too late to take our proper position in the van.

The Central Club, at the meeting referred to, passed resolutions urging the farmers of the county to organize district clubs. This should be done at once, that ample time may be had in selecting delegates to the Farmers' Assembly. Each organization is entitled to representation.

There is another feature, in these clubs, which may prove of incalculable value, especially to the younger members, and it is to them we must look for success—the discussion of farm topics. At first the speeches may be short and halting in delivery, but practice and perseverance will develop wisdom and eloquence where it is now least expected.

L.